The Panthers will open league play Dec. 28 against Southern Illinois, followed by early road trips to Bradley (Dec. 31) and Missouri State (Jan. 4). Valparaiso will make its first visit to the McLeod Center as an MVC member Jan. 13, with the Panthers' return trip coming Feb. 20.

The first of UNI’s two in-state conference matchups comes Jan. 16 when the Panthers host Drake. UNI will head to the Knapp Center on Feb. 10. A visit from defending regular-season champ Illinois State caps the first half of the conference slate Jan. 24, with the return trip coming Feb. 17.

UNI’s Valley schedule concludes Feb. 24 versus Missouri State.

The Panthers finished 9-9 in conference play last season, earning the No. 3 seed before falling to the Bears in the Tournament.

Dargan Southard covers preps, recruiting, Iowa and UNI athletics for the Iowa City Press-Citizen, The Des Moines Register and HawkCentral.com. Email him at msouthard@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter at @Dargan_Southard.